Rail trackAustria

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


88. Rail track

A rail track is a pair of rails used to guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may run alongside a road, cross it or be embedded directly in the carriageway so that rail vehicles and other road users travel through the same area.

Road users should take particular care around tracks because rail vehicles cannot steer around obstacles and require considerable distance to stop. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must follow the applicable priority rules, traffic lights, warning signs and crossing rules and must avoid unnecessarily obstructing the tracks.

Rail track
Railway tracks and signal. (Örebro, Sweden)
Wikimedia.org • Fifo • CC BY-SA
What is a track?

A track consists of rails that guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may be separated from ordinary traffic or incorporated into a road.

Can tram tracks run along an ordinary road?

Yes. Tram tracks may be embedded in the carriageway and share part of the road with other traffic, depending on the local road layout and traffic rules.

Who has priority when a road crosses tram tracks?

The applicable priority rules vary between countries, but rail vehicles commonly receive special priority because they cannot leave their tracks. Always obey traffic lights, signs and local rules.

Can you drive on tram tracks?

This depends on the road layout and local regulations. Tracks incorporated into an ordinary traffic lane may sometimes be used by other vehicles, while reserved tram tracks or separate railway tracks may not.

Can you stop or park on railway or tram tracks?

You should never stop or park where your vehicle would obstruct a rail vehicle. Local traffic law may specifically prohibit stopping or parking on or close to tracks.

Why are tracks dangerous for cyclists and motorcyclists?

Wheels can slip on wet rails or become trapped in the groove beside a rail. Riders should cross tracks carefully and, where possible, at an angle that reduces the risk of a wheel following the rail groove.

Should you follow a tram closely?

No. Maintain sufficient distance so that you can react safely if the tram stops, passengers enter the roadway or traffic conditions change.

Can pedestrians cross tram tracks?

Yes, where crossing is permitted, but pedestrians should carefully check for approaching rail vehicles and obey pedestrian lights and crossing restrictions.

Is a tram track the same as a railway level crossing?

No. Tram tracks can be incorporated directly into a street or carriageway. A railway level crossing is a specific place where a road or path crosses railway tracks, usually with dedicated warning signs or signals.

What should you do if traffic stops while you are crossing tracks?

Do not enter a track crossing unless there is enough space to clear it completely. Never deliberately stop where a tram or train could be blocked.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...